New Knife Easy To Use

Product: CrossLock Knives

Description: Double-bladed knives with patented “roll over” action and thumb buttons on each blade for one-handed operation. Drop point blade and additional tool (hoof pick, gutting hook or safety hook) are 3 inches long. Closed length is 5 inches.

Pro: By using the thumb-button riveted into each blade, you can easily open the knife with only one hand - extremely useful when the other hand is busy holding up a hoof, etc.

The knife closes easily with one hand as well, meaning it is a simple matter to secure the blade safely without having to use both hands to release the blade lock before swinging it shut. Since the knife is designed with both the blade and the additional tool (either a hoof pick for horsemen, a guthook for hunters, or a seat-belt cutting safety hook for emergency crews) on the same end, it is a simple matter to close one blade to access the other.

All you do is roll the knife over and there is the other blade, ready to be popped out using the thumb-button. The rubberized handle is comfortable to hold and offers a secure grip, even when wet.

Con: I have safety concerns. Watch yourself when closing the knife! Designed to be used with one hand for opening and closing, the knife requires you to push a latch out of the way with your thumb while you lift and swing the blade closed using a finger.

On several occasions, both I and one of my testers nearly sliced into a thumb only because we were not being very careful. Also, on three occasions, once inadvertently and then twice more to see if I could replicate the results, I dropped the knife from waist height, resulting in the blade popping out on its own - a potential safety hazard to be sure.

Comments: Although I do have some safety concerns regarding the knife, I still give it a two thumbs up for innovative design and onehanded ease of use.

The Horseman model is an ideal package for trail riders who have need of both a knife and a pick on occasion.

Suggested Retail: Horseman - $72.50; Hunter - $70.00; Deputy 1 with clip - $70; Deputy 2 with sheath - $70

Company: Buck Knives, P.O. Box 1267, El Cajon, CA 92022; (619) 449-1100